Bansley and Maloney set for main draw at FIVB beach tour opener

BRASILIA, Brazil (April 16, 2012) - Heather Bansley and Liz Maloney of Toronto continue their quest for an Olympic berth and will be Canada’s sole entry in the women’s main draw at the opening stop on the FIVB beach volleyball World Tour circuit.

Canada’s three pairs in Monday’s qualifying all fell short in their bids to advance to the final 32. Bansley and Maloney, Canada’s top pair last year, had a bye to the main draw.

On Monday, Marie-Andree Lessard of Ville LaSalle, Que., and Annie Martin of Sherbrooke, Que., had a first round bye in qualifying, posted a win in the second round and lost in the final round to Karla Borger and Britta Buthe of Germany 21-16, 21-14.

Lessard and Martin had eliminated compatriots Kacie MacTavish of Sharon, Ont., and Julie Rodrigue of Quebec City in round two 20-22, 21-15, 15-12.

Jamie Broder of Victoria and Kristina Valjas of Toronto (in photo) posted a first round win before being eliminated in their next match.

The men’s qualification is slated for Tuesday. Canada has five entries: Josh Binstock of Toronto and Martin Reader of Comox, B.C.; Maverick Hatch of Comox and Sam Schachter of Toronto; Ben Saxton of Calgary and Christian Redmann of Toronto; Richard Van Huizen and Garrett May, both of Toronto ; and Matt Zbyszewski of Toronto and Chaim Schalk of Red Deer, Alta.